J.R.R. Tolkien

The Making of a Legend

By: Colin Duriez

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Long before the successful The Lord of the Rings films, J.R.R. Tolkien's creations, imagination, and characters had captured the attention of millions of readers. But who was the man who dreamt up the intricate languages and perfectly crafted world of Middle-earth? Tolkien had a difficult life, for many years: orphaned and poor, his guardian forbade him to communicate with the woman he had fallen in love with, and he went through the horrors of the First World War. An intensely private and brilliant scholar, he spent over 50 years working on the languages, history, peoples, and geography of Middle-earth, with a consistent mythology and body of legends inspired by a formidable knowledge of early northern European history and culture. J.R.R. Tolkien became a legend by creating an imaginary world that has enthralled and delighted generations. This delightful and accessible biography brings him to life.

Colin Duriez has appeared as a commentator on DVDs of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings, and BBC television's The Worlds of Fantasy. He is also the author of The Inklings Handbook (with the late David Porter), J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis: The Story of Their Friendship, and Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, and has contributed to definitive reference works, The Tolkien Encyclopedia, and a number of other tomes relating to Tolkien.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2012 Colin Duriez (P)2020 Oasis Audio

Perfect Length — Perfect Telling

This is my third Tolkien biography audiobook. I always love Simon Vance’s narration. The story moves along at a good pace and was overall a good length. Some interesting details not found in other Tolkien bios. Highly recommended.

Very insightful

While there may be other biographies that are better I found this one very helpful and insightful. Tolkein as the philologist was new to me and yet not. Having read his stories and experienced his mind, it was known but not realized. The biography gave depth to many key areas of his writings. There is certainly a sense that what he wrote was him. I cant say that it kept me spellbound but it was very good.

Many things I didn't read in other books about this great author. And Simon Vance is such an accomplished narrator.

everything was up to a high standard, writing and reading. xx xx xx xx

Essential for any Tolkien student

Well written easy to hear back story for a life well lived. Nice addition as an overview.

Lord of the Rings

This book has great detail of Tolkiens life. And the way it is written makes the book interesting to all. (Even those who don’t care much for biographies).